I always considered myself to be nonathletic. When my brother passed away 3 years ago at 47, I decided that I would really try to get healthier. I was having a difficult time since I really hated to exercise, but I had managed to lose 20 pounds. My DH had taken up cycling because he could no longer run long distances and I thought I could give it a try. I started out on a 20 year old hybrid with one working gear last summer and my DH surprised me with a road bike on September 11 for my birthday. It was scary at first since I never thought I could ride with the group, but I have fallen in love with the sport. My DH bought me an even nicer bike for Valentine's Day and I have gotten stronger ever since. I rode 70 miles today and stayed with the group the entire time, even when we were at 22 and 23 mph. I have logged 9960 miles since September 11, 2008 and dropped another 25 pounds. I have a normal BMI for the first time since I was in my 20s. I love riding my bike!